The Carolina Panthers took some steps forward in 2024 under Dave Canales. After going 5-12, the Panthers seek to make some adjustments to the roster.
One of the biggest things Carolina will do this offseason is surrounding Bryce Young with playmakers. With offseason planning underway for 30 teams in the league, a report has emerged that the Panthers want Adam Thielen back for the 2025 season.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote, "The Panthers want veteran receiver Adam Thielen back in 2025. He's due more than $6 million in overall payout in the last year of his contract. Carolina and Thielen could always renegotiate to find a sweet spot on a new one-year deal or an extension. But my sense is the team does not plan to release Thielen, who does want to be on a winning team."
*Myles Garrett and the pass-rush market explosion
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 8, 2025
*Purdy, Stafford, Allen contracts
*Fields/Steelers reunion chances
*Potential sleeper team for Russell Wilson
That and much more in our Super Bowl notebook from @DanGrazianoESPN and mehttps://t.co/D0JZAZYhgv
Panthers News: Carolina Wants Adam Thielen Back in 2025
Back in 2023, the Panthers signed Thielen to a three-year, $25 million deal. He's on the books for the $8 million and is Carolina's most consistent weapon.
In 27 games with the Panthers, the 34-year-old has notched 151 catches (199 targets) for 1,629 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Outside of Thielen, Carolina only has Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as two receivers they will lean on in 2025.
Fowler did state that Thielen wants to play on a winning team, but that doesn't mean that Carolina will just release him.
Having a reliable weapon on the outside is key for Young's development. Keeping Thielen around won't stop the Panthers from adding more receivers.
The Panthers will likely make some additions through free agency and the NFL Draft but it's clear that Thielen is also in their plans for the 2025 season.